About Me
Well, hello there!
I am Katja Patel, founder of Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda. I am thrilled that you have found me.
Let me tell you a little bit more about me…
What I Love About Yoga
Since my very first Yoga session, I absolutely love the sense of lightness, space and fluidity after the practice. Little aches and niggles disappear, and the breath deepens.
On the mental level, I love how stress, urgency, and recurring thought patterns are relaxing, and a new perspective is rising.
Both the above aspects, combined with the suggestions of Ayurveda, have supported me over the years with improving scoliosis of my spine and ulcerative colitis by establishing healthier behaviour patterns and a more rewarding lifestyle.
My Mission
I assist busy working mums in overcoming stress and overwhelm by integrating simple, practical Yoga and Ayurveda routines into their daily lives. Transform your health inside and out in just minutes a day. Does this resonate with you?
Create Healthy Eating Habits in 5 Easy Steps with our
FREE 5-Day Email Challenge.
In just 5 days, you’ll have the tools to make lasting, healthy eating habits—even with a packed schedule.
Discover the Joy of Simply Eating!
Learning Nourishes Me
My Yoga journey began nearly 30 years ago in Germany, where I trained as a teacher before moving to London in 2000 and becoming accredited with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY).
The birth of my son deepened my connection to Yoga, leading me to complete the BWY Pregnancy Module in 2004. My exploration expanded into Ayurveda during visits to Atmasantulana Village, where I trained in full-body and pregnancy massage.
After a decade of teaching, I felt called to mentor the next generation of Yoga teachers. I led BWY Foundation Courses and eventually trained others through the 500-hour BWYQ Diploma and 300-hour BWYQ Certificate.
Continuing my studies, I trained in Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, and Anatomy with Judith Hanson Lasater. My passion for Ayurveda deepened as I became a certified Ayurveda Diet & Lifestyle Consultant under Dr. Deepa Apte. Today, I guide clients in addressing stress, digestive issues, immunity, sleep, pregnancy care, and overall well-being through Yoga and Ayurveda.
My Gratitude
To All My Teachers – Past, Present, and Future
Including my beloved family, who continue to teach me every day.
I am deeply grateful to Guruji Shri Balaji Tambe, founder of Atmasantulana Village, India, whose wisdom has guided me for decades. Through my visits for training, workshops, and Ayurvedic treatments, he taught me the essence of Ayurveda, meditation, and the Bhagavad Gita, along with the invaluable lesson to always keep trying and never give up.
My heartfelt thanks to Judith Hanson Lasater, my anatomy mentor, whose expertise in Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, and Anatomy has profoundly shaped my teaching.
And to my colleagues and students—your teachings, insights, and spirits continue to inspire me every day.
